New to deposit return schemes? Here's what retailers need to know

Retailers are at the heart of deposit return schemes. But what are they, and how can retailers get the most out of them? TOMRA can help make deposit return work for you, by automating the return of bottles and cans and creating a great recycling experience for your customers.

Retailers’ role in deposit return

Many deposit return systems around the world have a “return-to-retail” model – where retailers who sell beverages are also required to take back empty containers for recycling. Nearly all of the major high-performing deposit return systems in the world operate return-to-retail collection. As you are at the very heart of deposit return, you can make a huge difference to your customers, your communities, and the environment. And with the right bottle and can recycling solution, deposit return can also benefit your business. Read more about TOMRA for Retailers

DRS opportunities for retailers

Recycling habits impact shopping habits, and retailers can harness this through deposit return. Most customers shop where they recycle, so offering a great recycling experience can draw customers to your store and keep them coming back. Customers are also more eco-conscious than ever and expect to see businesses playing their part – they are more likely to engage with those who care about the same things they do. In addition, retailers in many deposit return systems receive a handing fee for every container collected by their stores.

How to use a reverse vending machine?


Using a reverse vending machine (RVM) is quick and easy. Check out how to use a TOMRA single-feed or multi-feed reverse vending machine:

How to use a single-feed RVM?

1.  Insert your containers
2. Tap the button
3. Take your receipt

When handed to retail staff, the refund receipt can be exchanged for cash or store credit. 

How to use a multi-feed RVM?

1.  Open the hatch (or tap start)
2. Insert your containers
3. Refill if needed
4. Tap "finish"
5. Take your receipt

As with the single-feed machine, refund receipts can be exchanged for cash or store credit. 

When is a deposit return scheme coming?

This will depend on which country or region your store is located in. For more than 50 countries and territories worldwide, a DRS is already in place. Ireland, Hungary and Romania are among the most recent regions to introduce return-to-retail deposit return systems. Retailers can check with their local retailer association or equivalent organization, or get in touch with TOMRA, to find out if a DRS has been announced.

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Want to learn more? Find a reverse vending machine near you and understand what impacts the price

TOMRA is the global leader in reverse vending technology, with around 85,000 reverse vending machines in more than 60 markets. Each year we help retailers and recycling venues to collect more than 46 billion containers.

With nearly 50 years of experience, we aim to lead the resource revolution – and our full-service solutions, with constant technology improvements and first-class customer service, will help you to get the most out of deposit return and play your part for years to come.

Our offering – Get in the loop with TOMRA

At TOMRA, we are turning the tide on plastic pollution, with our reverse vending solutions and our partners who use them. Together we can drive a circular economy and ensure bottles and cans are recycled in the best way possible – in what we call the "Clean Loop". This will help reduce litter and ocean plastic and save vital resources like energy, water, and crude oil to limit greenhouse gas emissions.
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